NPA leading congressional advocacy, hosting Natural Products Day in D.C.

Trade association will lead the charge on key regulatory and legislative issues as well as host the 15th Annual Natural Products Day in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, March 27.

The Natural Products Association (NPA) | Jan 27, 2012

The Natural Products Association (NPA) is working with members of Congress on issues vitally important to the industry, such as leading the movement to rewrite the draft New Dietary Ingredients (NDI) guidance proposed last year by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a major part of its outreach, NPA is hosting the 15th Annual Natural Products Day in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, March 27.

There is no charge to attend this event. NPA members and others in the industry are welcome to sign up. The day begins with an issue briefing and advocacy training so attendees learn how they can participate in the policy-making process and advocate for their interests. Afterwards, pre-arranged meetings at Congressional offices offer the chance to talk to senators, representatives, and their staffs about key legislation and regulatory activities. Find out more and register today at www.NPAinfo.org/NPD12.

During this event, NPA will be working hard to educate members of Congress about the potential impact of the draft NDI guidance and expand our network of allies on Capitol Hill through enhanced activity by the NPA Political Action Committee. NPA has called for a substantial rewrite of the draft guidance that is consistent with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) so that consumers continue to have access to safe, affordable supplements.

In addition, NPA encourages Congressional support for the Family and Retirement Health Investment Act, which would allow Health and Flexible Spending Account dollars to be used for supplements and meal replacement products. NPA opposes the Dietary Supplement Labeling Act, which would add unnecessary regulations on supplements that could limit their availability to consumers.

“It’s especially important this year to educate the public and Congress about the implications of the draft NDI guidance and proposed legislation. Attending Natural Products Day is a great way to make sure that policymakers hear our strong, united voice,” said NPA President Jeff Wright. “We are seeing growing concern in Congress about potential overreach by federal regulators, including the FDA. This is the time for us to seek more support for our industry.”

NPA will continue to work with all members regardless of party to strengthen the industry’s position on Capitol Hill. For advocacy updates, visit www.NPAinfo.org.

The Natural Products Association (NPA), founded in 1936, is the largest and oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to the natural products industry. NPA represents over 1,900 members accounting for more than 10,000 locations of retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements, and health/beauty aids. As the leading voice of the natural products industry, the NPA’s mission is to advocate for the rights of consumers to have access to products that will maintain and improve their health, and for the rights of retailers and suppliers to sell these products. Visit www.NPAInfo.org.